City of Fort Worth introduces Pathway to Partnership initiative to strengthen small nonprofits seeking federal grants
Fort Worth, Texas – The City of Fort Worth has introduced a new initiative designed to help small and emerging nonprofit organizations build stronger foundations and better prepare for future federal grant opportunities.
Led by the City’s Neighborhood Services Department, the new Pathway to Partnership program will provide nonprofits with training, guidance, and practical resources to improve their organizational skills before applying for future funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through City-administered grant programs.
City officials say the response to the new program has been overwhelming, showing just how much demand exists among community organizations seeking additional support.
All 40 available spaces in the first training cohort were filled within 24 hours after registration opened. Because interest exceeded expectations, the City created a waiting list, and additional nonprofit organizations are currently being reviewed for eligibility as openings become available.
Helping smaller nonprofits compete for federal grants
Many smaller nonprofit organizations provide valuable services throughout Fort Worth, but they often do not have the same access to grant specialists, financial experts, or compliance training that larger organizations can afford.
The new Pathway to Partnership program was created to address that gap by giving organizations practical instruction before they begin applying for competitive federal grants.
“Our goal is to help level the playing field,” said Jeanette Greenwood, management analyst and Pathway to Partnership program coordinator with the Neighborhood Services Department. “Many smaller nonprofits are doing incredible work in our community with limited access to the same level of training and technical assistance as larger organizations. Pathway to Partnership is designed to provide practical guidance that builds confidence, strengthens organizational systems and prepares nonprofits for future funding opportunities.”
The City hopes the initiative will make more community organizations ready to compete successfully for future HUD funding while strengthening the services they already provide to Fort Worth residents.
The program is aimed at nonprofit organizations that serve the Fort Worth community, have annual operating budgets of $250,000 or less, and expect to pursue HUD funding in the future. It is especially intended for groups looking for additional help with grant preparation, financial planning, compliance requirements, budgeting, and program development.
Two training sessions focus on funding readiness
The inaugural program consists of two in-person training sessions, both held at Fort Worth City Hall, located at 100 Fort Worth Trail.
The first session, titled Understanding City of Fort Worth Funding & Readiness, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, July 21.
Participants will learn about the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan, different HUD grant opportunities, eligibility standards, compliance rules, financial management basics, and the steps organizations should complete before applying for funding.
The second session, From Grassroots to Grant-Ready, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
That session will focus on building stronger nonprofit programs by covering topics such as program design, measuring performance, creating realistic budgets, maintaining proper documentation, following compliance rules, preparing stronger applications, and avoiding common mistakes that can hurt funding requests.
Officials say the goal is not only to explain federal requirements but also to give organizations practical tools they can immediately begin using.
Every participating nonprofit will receive a professionally prepared study guide, budget planning tools, useful templates, and direct instruction from City employees who specialize in federal grant administration, contract management, nonprofit partnerships, compliance, and budgeting.
Training will be provided by Alison Villasana, Cyndee Garza, Charletta Moaning, Jeanette Greenwood, Mary Tenorio, and Tracey Walton from the Neighborhood Services Department.
The City has also invited Juliet Moses of RS Strategies LLC to participate as a community guest facilitator.
Building stronger organizations for the future
The first Pathway to Partnership cohort includes 40 nonprofit organizations representing several Fort Worth City Council districts and serving many different community needs.
Participating organizations work in areas including housing, youth development, workforce readiness, community development, family services, and economic empowerment, reflecting the broad range of services nonprofit groups provide throughout the city.
City leaders view the initiative as more than a short-term training opportunity. Instead, it is part of Fort Worth’s broader FY2027-28 funding readiness initiative, which focuses on helping community-based organizations become stronger and more competitive before federal grant opportunities become available.
Officials say strengthening organizational systems today will allow nonprofits to better manage future grants, meet federal compliance standards, and deliver more effective services to residents.
The program also supports Fort Worth’s ongoing effort to expand fair access to federal funding by giving smaller organizations many of the same educational resources that have traditionally been easier for larger nonprofits to obtain.
As organizations complete the Pathway to Partnership program, the City hopes they will gain a stronger understanding of HUD requirements, improve their internal operations, and become better positioned to compete for future funding opportunities that support the priorities outlined in Fort Worth’s Consolidated Plan.
With every seat in the inaugural cohort filled almost immediately, City officials believe the strong response demonstrates both the need for this type of assistance and the commitment of Fort Worth’s nonprofit community to expand its ability to serve residents through future federal investment.
